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Diane Foley and her husband have hoped that their son’s life could be a turning point for dialogue, and indeed it has.

President Barack Obama admitted on Wednesday that the government has let down the families of Americans held hostage, and has unveiled a new policy directive aimed at bringing hostages home and supporting their families.

Foley’s parents have said that in the 19 months he was held hostage by the terrorist group ISIS (also referred to as ISIL), they felt very alone, not hearing from the government.

“Because we naively thought our government could take care of it and bring ‘em home, it delayed our efforts. You know, we were very slow to get more active and realize, ‘Gee, we have to do something here,’” Diane Foley told News 9 last September.

Diane Foley has been working to change treatment the president acknowledged at a press conference on Wednesday was unacceptable.

“These families have already suffered enough and should never feel ignored, or victimized by their own government,” Obama said. “Diane Foley, whose son Jim was killed by ISIL last year, said as Americans, we can do better. I totally agree. We must do better.”

Obama has unveiled a new policy that he said is a direct result of hostage families' recommendations. He said the top priority is the safe and rapid recovery of hostages.

Among the changes include the setting up of a new hostage response group, a hub of senior officials that will be accountable to the president.

Also, a senior diplomat will be named as an envoy for the hostage effort.

Obama said he'll name a coordinator for supporting families, who will share information with them and be their voice in government

“I'm making it clear that these families are to be treated like what they are: Our trusted partners, and active partners in the recovery of their loved ones,” said Obama.

The president met with some hostage families on Wednesday to explain the nearly two dozen specific changes. He indicated they were understandably skeptical and said he assured them he'll be setting up mechanisms to make sure they happen.